Education Operations Manager (Linn Moor Campus)

BE PART OF IT!

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join our team at Linn Moor working within our Education setting as an Education Operations Manager on a full-time Permanent basis. If you are passionate about helping vulnerable young people thrive and flourish in a nurturing environment this could be the right opportunity for you.

At Linn Moor our staff work alongside children and young adults in both care and education to help them achieve individual personal outcomes. Our children and young people are supported on a 1 : 1 basis with a strong emphasis on working as part of a team and maintaining relationships with the wider community.

In this new key management role you will lead and oversee the effective planning, coordination and delivery of operational processes across the education department during school term time and additionally support residential services during school holidays. Working as part of the schools senior leadership team the postholder will contribute to the ongoing development of the education team, drive operational efficiency, manage resources and lead a high‑performing workforce to support the holistic needs of learners and residents.

You must possess strong inter‑personal skills and the ability to lead, develop and manage diverse teams. Ideally you have proven relevant experience of working with children and families; consideration will also be given to candidates with Adult Services experience, particularly those working with autism and learning difficulties.

You will have a sound understanding of assessment practices and risk management and must be a positive team player. Successful applicants must hold an SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 9 or equivalent as agreed by SSSC (or be willing to obtain in agreed timescales).

The role will additionally entail being part of the Duty Management coverage on the Campus, which will involve planning, supporting and overseeing such shifts on a rotated basis. Your operational base will be at our Linn Moor Campus in Peterculter. This is a full‑time permanent position and in return you will receive a competitive salary and benefits.

Hours: 39 hours per week

Rota: 7 day rolling rota

Salary: per annum

We offer fantastic benefits including:

• Competitive Salary
• Generous Holidays
• Sick Pay scheme
• Transport to and from Aberdeen city centre to campus is available
• NEST Pension scheme
• Refer a friend scheme
• Ongoing professional development

About Linn Moor:

Linn Moor Campus is a unique multi‑generational approach to community‑based care for individuals with learning disabilities and other additional support needs in a residential setting. The campus itself is situated on beautiful grounds allowing our service users the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. With UK‑wide recognition for our pioneering work with people with autism, our focus is on the development of meaningful life skills and personal fulfilment for the children and young adults we support. If successful you would be joining a large team of enthusiastic support workers with a wealth of experience from all different backgrounds.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

1. Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Align operational planning with strategic priorities across education (term time) and care (school holidays).
• Lead support and develop staff, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Contribute to whole‑school improvement and service development responding to the changing needs of young people.

2. Workforce & People Management

• Provide direct line management to Education Senior Practitioners and Residential Care and Education Support Workers.
• Implement performance management practices including supervision, appraisal and professional development.
• Promote an open supportive culture that encourages staff engagement, accountability and continuous learning.
• Communicate policy changes clearly across departments and deliver operational briefings or training as needed.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, staff retention, annual leave allocation and HR processes (e.g. absence, grievance, disciplinary).

3. Policy Compliance & Safeguarding

• Ensure awareness of and compliance with VSA policies, safeguarding procedures and regulatory frameworks.
• Develop and monitor operational policies covering quality assurance, health and safety and risk management.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments and ensure staff are fully trained in VSA mandatory compliance requirements.
• Safeguard the welfare of children and young adults in line with VSA standards and statutory requirements.
• Support EMT and the Board with timely and accurate reporting.

4. Health & Safety and Risk Management

• Work closely with the Health and Safety Business Partner to ensure legal compliance and best practice within the education department.
• Oversee fire safety, infection control, manual handling, accessibility and safe use of specialist environments.
• Ensure robust incident management systems are adhered to by the Education team.

5. Facilities & Environment

• Ensure all environments are safe, inclusive and adapted for pupils with complex sensory and physical needs.
• Oversee the functionality, safety and upkeep of sensory rooms, soft play areas, therapeutic spaces and outdoor learning environments.

6. Residential & Holiday Operations

• Support service managers of residential care during school holidays.
• Ensure accommodation is welcoming, safe and supportive of daily routines.
• Work closely with care staff to maintain compliance and promote high‑quality residential experiences.
• Support and deliver Summer Camp.

7. External Partnerships & Services

• Manage contracts and relationships with external professionals and support services.
• Collaborate with families, partner agencies and local authorities to ensure joined‑up support.
• Represent VSA at meetings, working groups and within the wider community.

8. Finance & Administration

• Oversee allocated budgets ensuring effective resource management and expenditure control.
• Support the administration team in admissions, record‑keeping, communications and transport arrangements.
• Support income generation and grant applications in collaboration with fundraising teams.

9. ICT & Digital Infrastructure

• Coordinate ICT services to ensure effective digital and business support systems.

Qualifications / Training / Education

Essential

• SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 9 or equivalent as agreed by SSSC (or be willing to obtain in agreed timescales)
• Evidence of CPD
• SSSC Registration – Managers of Residential Child Care Services (or must attain)

Experience – Essential

• Post‑qualifying experience of working with Children and Families
• Background in residential special school or ASN settings
• Familiarity with therapeutic or sensory environments
• Good working knowledge of regulatory requirements (in particular Child Protection)
• Extensive experience of working with vulnerable young people and managing challenging behaviour using a strength‑based perspective
• Experience of assessment practices and risk management
• Knowledge of Health and Social Care Standards – The Promise and GIRFEC

Key Skills / Aptitudes

Essential

• Ability to facilitate, manage and lead change
• Team Player
• Substantial experience in operations or facilities management, ideally in education, care or third‑sector environments
• Strong knowledge of Scottish regulatory frameworks (e.g. Health & Safety, Care Inspectorate, Education Scotland, GIRFEC)
• Proven ability to lead, develop and manage diverse teams
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, compliance monitoring and risk management
• Strong organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills
• Experience working with external service providers and multidisciplinary teams
• Understanding of professional boundaries

Desirable

• Innovative thinker to maximise resources

Personal Qualities – Essential

• Awareness, Insight, Tolerance
• Personal and emotional resilience
• Flexibility
• Honesty and Integrity
• Adaptable to change
• Self‑confidence
• Assertiveness
• Ability to tackle and challenge poor performance or behaviour
• Work under pressure
• Understanding of a strong professional value base and professional ethics
• Effective time‑management skills
• Commitment to and understanding of non‑discriminatory practice

About VSA

VSA is a well‑respected local social care charity helping support the people of Aberdeen for over 150 years. Our mission is to provide the best of care to enable the best of lives; supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential. VSA provides vital support and services to people of all ages. At VSA we support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing through a range of residential and outreach support services. Working in social care is a hugely rewarding career and you can help change the lives of vulnerable children and adults.

If you think you have what it takes to be part of our fantastic team at Linn Moor, please click Apply and start your career journey with VSA today.

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